Lead Engineer

Jackie Kerr Recruitment Ltd; Swindon; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Jackie Kerr Recruitment Ltd is seeking an experienced Lead Engineer to join a specialist engineering and manufacturing business working on complex, bespoke machinery. This role is varied and customer‑facing, requiring a strong mechanical engineering background and involvement in the full engineering process.

You will lead the mechanical design, produce detailed CAD designs, and take ownership of projects from enquiry to delivery.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in mechanical design of complex machinery.
• Experience leading engineering projects or technical ownership.
• Willingness to travel for customer visits and meetings.
• Strong CAD experience with ability to produce detailed designs.
• Excellent communicator across engineering, manufacturing and commercial teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical design and engineering of complex machinery and bespoke equipment.
• Produce and oversee detailed CAD designs and documentation.
• Manage projects from enquiry through delivery.
• Collaborate with customers to capture requirements and develop solutions.
• Provide hands-on assembly and development when required.
• Support sales discussions with technical input.
• Travel to customer sites, exhibitions and events.
• Coordinate cross-functional work to meet budget, time and quality goals.
• Mentor and provide technical leadership to the engineering team.

Skills

Mechanical engineering

Project leadership

Customer-facing

CAD design

Hands-on assembly

Communication skills

Multi-project management

Tools

CAD software

Job description

We are looking for an experienced Lead Engineer to join a specialist engineering and manufacturing business working on complex, bespoke machinery and equipment. This is a varied, customer-facing role for someone with a strong mechanical engineering background who enjoys being involved in the full engineering process.

Lead Engineer Roles and Responsibilities:

• Lead the mechanical design and engineering of complex machinery and bespoke equipment
• Produce and oversee detailed CAD designs and engineering documentation
• Take ownership of projects from initial enquiry through to delivery
• Work closely with customers to understand requirements and develop engineering solutions
• Get involved with the hands‑on mechanical build, assembly and development of machinery when required
• Support the sales process, including technical discussions, proposals and customer meetings
• Attend customer sites, exhibitions and industry events
• Keep up to date with market trends and identify potential new opportunities
• Work across different areas of the business, providing hands‑on engineering support where needed
• Coordinate projects to ensure they are delivered on time, within budget and to the required quality standards
• Provide technical guidance and leadership to the wider engineering team

Lead Engineer Ideal Candidate:

• Strong mechanical engineering background
• Experience designing and working on complex machinery, equipment or bespoke engineered products
• Happy to get hands‑on with mechanical assembly, fitting and engineering work when required
• Strong CAD experience and confident producing detailed mechanical designs
• Previous experience leading engineering projects or taking technical ownership
• Comfortable dealing directly with customers and discussing technical solutions
• Commercially aware with an interest in supporting sales and business development
• Confident communicator who can work across engineering, manufacturing and commercial teams
• Able to manage multiple projects and priorities
• Happy to travel for customer visits, exhibitions and project meetings